English Alphabets Cannot be Monopolised under Trademark Law: Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court has held that English alphabets cannot be claimed exclusively under trademark law and declined interim protection to the mark “A TO Z” used by a pharmaceutical company. 

The ruling arose from a suit filed by Alkem Laboratories against Prevego Healthcare over the use of “AZ” for multivitamin products.

The Court held that trademarks must be assessed as a whole and that “A TO Z” merely conveys comprehensiveness and lacks distinctiveness. It also noted Alkem’s failure to disclose earlier withdrawn or opposed trademark applications, disentitling it to equitable relief.

The interim injunction was accordingly vacated.

[Alkem Laboratories Ltd. v. Prevego Healthcare and Research Pvt Ltd.]